SARASOTA, FL – Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) has recently named John Secor as its marketing and communications director. In this role, Secor will oversee all facets of the organization’s marketing and public relations efforts in order to support ticket sales, assist in donor cultivation and satisfaction, and maintain positive relations with the media.
Previously, Secor has served as the festival producer for the Sarasota Film Festival, festival manager for the Provincetown International Film Festival, chief technical officer for Mpact Magic, an online reputation management company in New York, and as senior vice president of the Americas for 5 Fifteen, Inc., which provides software systems and consultancy services to the publishing industry.
“The moment I walked through the theater doors, I felt an energy and dedication that immediately won my patronage,” said Secor. “I’m honored to be working here and with the incredible [founder and artistic director] Nate Jacobs.”
Secor’s role will be particularly vital as the organization works to close out its Heart & Soul Capital Campaign, a $6 million effort to transform the organization’s 2.5-acre, two-building campus at 10th Street and Orange Avenue into a cohesive, state-of-the-art theatre arts center. WBTT is also seeking to expand its education outreach efforts, particularly its youth programs such as the Stage of Discovery summer camp and in-school Jazzlinks program.
“We are so fortunate to have someone of John’s experience to be able to step into this new role. We are confident that his experience in marketing, journalism, and website design and management will help to take our communications efforts to the next level,” said WBTT executive director Julie Leach. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our outgoing marketing consultant Sheila Weiss, who is retiring. Shelia was with us through the early tough times and our growth and significant successes over the past handful of years. She has played a major role in getting us where we are today.”
For more information about WBTT, go to westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.
About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe:
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe of Florida, Inc. is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates the African-American experience, to attract diverse audiences, to support and develop African-American artists, and to build the self-esteem of African-American youth. For more information or to purchase tickets to an upcoming show, visit the website at westcoastblacktheatre.org or call (941) 366-1505.